The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, tells a different story in every street. When you walk on it, or if you’ve already wandered through its streets, it feels like you’re stepping into a living and outdoor museum thanks to its rich heritage.
The past whispers through the stone walls, colonial houses, and cobblestone paths, present hums with the energy of locals and travelers alike. However, we have already shared two articles about the streets of Cusco. In this third installment, we’ll wander through more historic and new streets for you.
Maybe these roads are not as popular as those mentioned in part I or II, but they’re just as rich in history, mystery, and charm. Let’s lace up our walking shoes and dive into the heart of Cusco, the Imperial City one more time.
Pumaqchupan Street: The Tail of the Sacred Puma
Our journey starts at Pumaqchupan, a street whose Quechua name translates to “Puma’s Tail.” This isn’t just poetic—it’s tied to Cusco’s Inca heritage. The Incas designed their capital to resemble a puma, a sacred animal symbolizing strength and protection.
Pumaqchupan marks the tail of this metaphorical puma. You can find this tiny street near the confluence of underground Tullumayu and Saphy Rivers, which form a natural boundary in the city. The street itself is a quiet stretch near Avenida El Sol, one of Cusco’s main arteries.
Don’t let its modesty fool you—it holds historical significance. During the Inca period, this area was likely a place of ritual importance. According to Inca, or Andean cosmovision, the Incas considered the rivers sacred, connecting the earthly realm (kay pacha) with the underworld realm (ukhu pacha)
A Place to Pause
Walking here, you might notice the fascinating water fountain at the river’s junction. It’s a nod to the area’s historical significance. This fountain, or how Cusqueños call it, “Paccha,” (we won’t tell you why it is called ike that, check our article about that) is a serene spot to be in and capture sweet memories.
Pumaqchupan, with its tranquil and narrow street, has some hotels and restaurants nearby. Its name serves as a reminder of the Inca’s cosmological worldview, where urban planning was deeply symbolic.
Loreto Street: The Inca Walls That Whisper Legends
Next, we’ll stroll down Loreto Street, a narrow pedestrian alley alongside the Coricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. It doesn’t have a whimsical name like some alleys, but its historical weight is undeniable.
Loreto is flanked by some of the most impressive surviving Inca walls in the city. Their massive stones are meticulously fitted together without mortar—a testament to Inca engineering.
The name “Loreto” comes from the colonial period, likely referencing devotion to the Virgin of Loreto, a popular Catholic figure during Spanish rule.
However, the street’s origins are older, as its original name was “intikijllu” which means the alley of the sun. Some people believe that Loreto held the “aclla wasi,” places where Inca virgins,”acllas,” made fine textiles and performed religious services
Stones, Legends and Photographer’s gem
As you walk, run your fingers along the smooth stones—some weigh several tons—and marvel at their precision. Some people say that these walls hold secrets of Inca priests, who used them as acoustic resonators during ceremonies. Whether true or not, the walls have a palpable energy that absorbed rituals and prayers.
A Photographer’s Gem
Loreto is also a photographer’s dream, with its mix of Inca stonework and colonial architecture. At one end, you’ll emerge near the Qorikancha, where you can explore the temple-turned-convent.
The other leads you to the plaza de armas, Cusco’s historic core. Take your chance and release your inner photographer in this lovely Andean alley!
Pumacurco Street: The Slope of the Puma’s Spine
Our next stop is Pumacurco Street, another name tied to the puma motif in Cusco’s urban design. “Pumacurco” translates to “Puma’s spine,” reflecting the Inca’s symbolic geography. This street climbs steeply from the San Blas neighborhood toward the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site, offering sweeping views of the city below as you ascend.
A Challenging Ascent
Pumacurco feels like a journey in itself: Its steep incline and uneven cobblestones make it a challenge, but the effort is rewarded with glimpses of Inca stonework along the way.
People say that these remnants might have been part of the path that the Incas used for ceremonies that led to Sacayhuaman. The street’s name is a giveaway: It refers to the puma shape the city resembles. The street acts as an imaginary line marking the spine of the puma.
A Bohemian Touch
Today, Pumacurco is lined with small galleries and cafes, as San Blas is popular for its bohemian vibe. Artists and musicians often linger here, adding a modern layer of creativity. If you’re up for the climb, Pumacurco leads toward Sacsayhuamán. There, massive, and intricately carved Inca stones and panoramic vistas await.
Arequipa Street: A Blend of Eras Near the Monasteries
Arequipa Street offers a different flavor of Cusco’s history. Located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, it’s named after the southern Peruvian city of Arequipa. This reflects the Spanish colonial practice of naming streets after other regions to assert dominion.
Beneath its colonial name lies a street that has been transformed over the centuries from Inca pathways to a colonial thoroughfare.
Ties to the Sacred
What makes Arequipa Street special is that¡s near to the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Ancient Incas built this stunning complex on the site of the Inca Acllawasi, or “House of the Chosen Women.” The Acllawasi housed maidens dedicated to serving the Sun god Inti, weaving textiles and preparing ceremonial offerings.
After the Spanish conquest, the site became a monastery. Arequipa Street turned into a conduit for nuns, priests, and locals traversing the area. The street itself is narrow, with high walls giving it a cloistered feel—fitting, given its monastic surroundings.
Some walls date to Inca times, while others are colonial additions, creating an architectural patchwork. As you walk, you’ll notice doorways leading to hidden courtyards and small shops selling artisan goods. It’s reminiscent of the street’s role as a hub of daily life through the centuries.
Whispers of Mystery
One intriguing story involves clandestine tunnels rumored to connect the Monastery of Santa Catalina with other religious sites in Cusco. While these “chincanas” remain speculative, their legend adds mystery to the stroll. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a quiet escape, Arequipa Street offers a glimpse into the sacred and the everyday, side by side.
Limacpampa, the “Oracle Square”
The name Plaza Limacpampa comes from two Quechua words: “Rimac,” meaning to speak or proclaim, and “Pampa,” meaning an open space or place. Its name refers to a “place where people speak.” Nowadays, you can find some colonial buildings on this street transformed into businesses.
Authors like Ángel Carreño and Víctor Angles say that in the Inca Empire, the pututu, a conch shell horn, called the people of Cusco to the square to hear the king’s orders. This plaza was of great importance during the Inca era, or as they called it “Hurin Aucaypata.”
Location
Plaza Limacpampa is located in the historic center of Cusco, southeast of the Plaza de Armas. It is accessible from several points, including Tullumayo and Huáscar Avenues, as well as Collacalle and Zetas Streets.
Geographically, the plaza belongs to the district, province, and department of Cusco. This historic plaza remains a significant landmark, preserving the rich legacy of the Inca civilization in Cusco.
Discovering Cusco One Step at a Time
The streets of Cusco are portals to a past that breathes in the present. From Pumaqchupan’s symbolic tail to Pumacurco’s challenging ascent, each alley offers a new perspective on the city’s history and spirit. The streets we showed you may not have the same popularity as Siete Borreguitos or Hatun Rumiyoc, where the Inca emperor Inca Roca had his building.
However, these streets have their own rich cultural legends and stories that you need to know. As you wander, let your senses guide you. Listen to Quechua in the chatter of locals. Feel the texture of ancient stones with your hands and feet. Breathe in the crisp Andean air.
Cusco, as Peru’s top tourist destination, rewards the curious. Its streets are waiting to share their secrets with those willing to walk their paths. So we invite you to discover the hidden corners of this magical city—one cobblestone at a time.
Keep in mind that you can learn more about Cusco and Peru’s history and culture with Viagens Machu Picchu. We would be more than glad to assist you in your dream to discover what Peru offers. Contact us to start taking the first step into the adventure of a lifetime, Cusco and its streets are waiting for you in Peru!
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